Judge under investigation, on administrative leave

CARLINVILLE - A Macoupin County judge is on administrative assignment, suspended from all courtroom and judicial duties, while Illinois State Police investigate an incident involving her at the county's courthouse.

The incident involving Associate Judge Diane Brunton, 62, is under investigation by ISP District 18 in Litchfield, authorities said Wednesday.

Patrick W. Kelly, chief judge of the 7th Judicial Circuit, which includes the counties of Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Morgan, Scott and Sangamon, said Wednesday that he could not comment on the case, other than stating the matter is under continuing investigation.

However, Kelly released a copy of his administrative order, which stated:

"On or about Jan. 5, 2010, Associate Circuit Judge Diane Brunton, while at the Macoupin County Courthouse, made statements to an individual or individuals in her presence which were inappropriate and which could reasonably be construed as threatening to others, and those statements could constitute a violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct, Canons 1 and 2, in such a manner as to threaten irreparable injury to the public, the judicial branch of government and the orderly administration of justice.